This Member Of Parliament Suggests The Government Import Crude Oil From Russia

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VII DPR, Syaikhul Islam asked the government not to increase the price of subsidized fuel oil (BBM) in the near future.

According to him, one of the steps the government can take is to import crude oil from Russia.

Syaikhul added, the government needs to seek various breakthroughs and policy options so that there will be no increase in fuel prices

"For example, the latest one is related to imports of crude palm oil from Russia. Because you are only afraid of sanctions from western countries, it's stupid? Because America's allies in Europe are also importing Russian oil, really!," he said during a working meeting with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 24.

Previously, Russia was said to be offering crude oil at a price 30 percent cheaper than the market price.

Syaikhul considered that if the government decided to import oil from Russia, it could withstand the government's decision to increase fuel prices.

"It's strange if there is an offer of 30 percent cheaper crude palm oil and we don't take how stupid we are, sir! And we hope that with the low price there will be no increase in fuel prices. If necessary, it will even go down," he said.

The government has repeatedly given signals to increase fuel prices.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto admitted that his party is currently reviewing the fuel price policy and the effects it will have if the government officially raises prices.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif said the same thing.

Arifin said the government was discussing the plan to increase the price of Pertalite in response to the high world crude oil price.

He said the plan was already under discussion with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto.

"The price of Pertalite is still being discussed in coordination with Pak Airlangga," said Arifin to the media, Tuesday, August 16.